Sydney Airport has opened on July 13 an International Student Airport Welcome Desk to support thousands of international students intending to study in NSW on arrival.

 

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Major Events Stuart Ayres said the NSW International Student Airport Welcome Desk would help to ensure international students feel welcome.

 

According to recent surveys, the first 24 hours is crucial to students forming their perspectives about studying and living in NSW.

 

“Experience shows implementing simple gestures, like a welcome desk, encourages students to return as ambassadors for the State and supports further growth in the sector,” Mr Ayres said.

 

The International Student Airport Welcome Desk serves as a gateway, whether students are arriving in Sydney or travelling on to regional NSW to their education institution.

 

Funded by StudyNSW, Destination NSW, and key education partners including the NSW Department of Education, TAFE NSW, English Australia and all NSW universities, the Welcome Desk is also supported by the Council of International Students Australia (CISA). 

 

It will be based directly opposite the Arrivals Hall A in T1 at Sydney International Airport and staffed by dedicated student volunteers.

 

The Welcome Desk offers printed material including guides and maps together with information on iPads and liquid-crystal display (LCD) screens.

 

Mr Ayres also added that advice and information would be available on safety and emergency contact information; getting around Sydney, maps, places to visit and major events; practical information about employment, banking and tax; and temporary and permanent accommodation.

 

In 2014, international students generated $6.3 billion in export revenue for NSW - the State’s largest service export.

 

The NSW Government established StudyNSW to increase the number of international students studying in NSW or with our education providers overseas, improve the quality of their experience while in the State and recognise their contributions to our communities.

 

Hyuna Yeom / edit@hanhodaily.com